Arson is suspected in a fire that occurred at 9 a.m. New Year’s Eve, which left the second story of a vacant home on Ninth Street completely engulfed in flames.

According to fire department reports, nearly two dozen firefighters from the Kingsville Fire Department, Naval Air Station Kingsville and volunteer firefighters from Kleberg County and Bishop, battled to put out the flames of house on South Ninth Street between East Warren and East Doddridge.

The home was abandoned with no utilities connected, according to reports, which is leading fire department investigators to believe the blaze is a case of arson.

Reports that a group of children had been seen in the area are being investigated.